Custom vs. Pre-made Live Edge Tables

You are ready to buy. Do you walk into a showroom and point at "Table #4," or do you start a custom build?

Option 1: Pre-Made (Ready to Ship)

Pros:

• Instant Gratification: You see exactly what you are getting. You can touch the finish, see the grain, and measure the exact dimensions.
• No Surprises: Nature is unpredictable. With a finished table, there is no guessing how the color will turn out.
• Speed: delivery in 1-2 weeks.

Cons:

• Compromise: Maybe you love the wood but hate the legs. Or it's 6 inches too short for your room.

Option 2: Custom Commission

Pros:

• Perfect Fit: You specify the exact length (e.g., 108 inches) to fit your rug.
• Slab Selection: You get to pick the specific raw slab. "I want the one with the crazy knot on the left."
• Leg Choice: You match the base to your light fixtures or chairs.

Cons:

• Wait Time: A proper custom table takes 4-8 weeks to flatten, sand, and finish.
• Visualization: You have to trust the maker to envision how the raw gray slab will look once oiled and finished.

The Kovara Hybrid Model

We try to bridge the gap.

1. Inventory: We keep a massive inventory of kiln-dried, flattened slabs. You aren't picking a dirty log in the mud; you are picking a clean, flat slab that just needs final finishing.
2. Mockups: We can tape out the cut lines so you see exactly the shape you will get.

Which is Cheaper?

Surprisingly, they are often similar in price.

• Retail: You pay for the convenience of it sitting on the floor.
• Custom: You pay for the labor of fabrication.

The real cost difference comes from shipping. A custom table made locally in Texas saves you $500-$1000 in freight shipping compared to buying pre-made from a big box store online.